Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the reference in the recently published draft energy policy that natural gas will only be supplied to areas where they are shown to be commercially viable, the way it is planned to provide access to Corrib gas for consumers in County Mayo and the other counties in Connacht and Ulster which on present criteria do not qualify for natural gas connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32090/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Since 2002, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory independent body, has been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002.

The construction by Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) of a natural gas transmission pipeline, known as the Mayo-Galway Pipeline, will be completed by the end of October 2006. The pipeline is one part of the infrastructure required to transport natural gas from the Corrib gas-field to the national gas network.

Earlier this year the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) directed BGÉ to implement a new Gas Connections Policy, which determines the economic viability of connecting towns to the gas network. The new policy allows for the appraisal of a new town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns. Having regard for this new policy, BGÉ is carrying out a comprehensive review of towns being considered for connection to the national gas network. The review is being conducted in two phases and phase 1, which covers the towns in the proximity of the Mayo-Galway Pipeline, will be completed shortly.

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the outcome of the BGÉ review and CER's assessment of it shortly.

My Department has also engaged consultants to undertake a Gas to the Northwest Study, in the context of the Government's objective for regional policy in the National Development Plan and having regard to the National Spatial Strategy.

The scope of this study is firstly, to determine the feasibility of bringing gas from the Mayo-Galway pipeline to Donegal Town via Sligo, considering three specified alternative routes; secondly, to examine and assess options for and issues surrounding the development of gas-fired power generation along the pipeline routes; and finally, to present options for the provision of gas pipeline infrastructure and gas-fired power generation, with recommendations as to how best the options may be pursued.

The study is scheduled for completion by end of year.